Masterful Music: R.T. Legacy

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I. Lyrical

II. Energetic

III. Chorale and Invention

IV. Reflection

"Lyrical" is based on a four-note motive: Ab-Bb-D-C. The movement is very contrapuntal, and probably the most dissonant piece of music I've ever written.

"Energetic" features my most extensive writing using set theory. The movement is based on the interval set <0134>, which I use in both the harmonic and melodic construction, creating different melodies and accompaniments throughout. The movement also features intricate rhythms and shifting meters. As in the "Lyrical," I use mostly contrapuntal motion, but begin and end with a homorhythmic texture.

"Chorale and Invention" is a double-movement. The "Chorale" is a four-part hymn-like tune, which is more harmonically consonant than the first two movements. It has a simple 8-bar structure, which ends on an E major triad. The "Invention" uses the first phrase of the chorale as the subject for a Bach-inspired invention.

"Reflection" refers to the construction of the movement. It features symmetrical inversions around a pivot pitch, creating the effect of one part "mirroring" the other. I use this technique in the melodic and harmonic construction. While faithful to this technique throughout the movement, I eventually took more liberty with the coda, in which I bring back the original motive of the first movement to give a sense of completeness and closure.